GOLDEN WONDER

PIONEERING ACTOR'S INTRICATE CLOCHE IS SET FOR AUCTION

- CHARLES HANSON

ONE of the most famous actresses of the late 19th and early 20th century was born in relative poverty just 50 miles to the south of Derby, in Coventry. She clawed her way out of destitution to become the first global superstar.

If you don’t know the name Ellen Terry, you really should. She was born in an era when appearing on the stage was seen as a sign of dubious morality but transformed acting into the art form we see today.

Combine the star appeal of the Beatles and Judi Dench and you might have some idea of her celebrity appeal on both sides of the Atlantic

A report from the 1890s recounts how she was mobbed by fans after a show in Boston, one of whom fainted upon receiving her signature - a sign of the almost film-star level of adoration she inspired.

So when an elegant cloche worn by Terry was consigned to our Etwall saleroom, for a sale starting on Thursday, it is safe to say it added more than a pinch of pizzazz.

Its vendor is a textiles collector from Ireland who bought it from a London dealer 30 years ago.

Now aged 81, the owner, who doesn’t want to be named, is downsizing and keen the beautiful piece should get the plaudits it deserves, perhaps even going to a museum

The dealer assured her of the provenance to Terry and later research proved the actress was in the habit of giving personal items, including hats, to her legion of fans.